Four ring spherical connecting hub for building space frame structures

Abstract

A spherical hub consisting of four interlocking and concentric rings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 and as many collar assembly pieces 12, 13, 14 as desired that can be used to receive tubular rod struts from a multiplicity of angles. The four rings are each uniquely grooved so that they fit and lock together in a specific order to hold a spherical form. The hubs can be used to assemble space frame and other structures in a wide variety of shapes and sizes 15.

1. A spherical hub mechanism for use in building space frame and other structures, wherein:
 said hub mechanism includes four concentric rings that can be easily assembled and disassembled, said rings are grooved so that they fit and lock together in a specific order to hold a spherical form; 
 said hub mechanism also includes connecting collar devices that can be used to connect strut members to said hub; 
 said hub mechanism provides openings for standard diameter, conventionally threaded pipes, used as connecting strut members by inserting said pipes into said collar devices; 
 said collar devices are comprised of two semi-cylindrical internal collar parts fastened by a cylindrical external collar part, said semi-cylindrical internal collar parts are each internally threaded on a first end and externally threaded on a second end, said semi-cylindrical internal collar parts fit together to form a cylindrical form, said external collar part is internally threaded, said external collar part is threaded onto said exterior threads of said semi-cylindrical internal collar parts; 
 said openings are distributed within said hub so that said pipes can be inserted in a multiplicity of angles; and 
 said rings, when disassembled can be stored and shipped in a compact form.